Drugs and driving don’t mix

  • Driving on drugs is never worth the risk
  • It’s illegal in Scotland, and immediate roadside testing can be carried out at any time.

Drugs can slow down your responses, making it more likely you’ll have a collision on the road. This can lead to severe injuries and even death.

The effects of drug driving can seriously ruin lives. Not just yours, but other road users and their families too.

If you’re caught and convicted of drug driving, here’s what you can expect to face as a minimum:

  • 12-month driving ban
  • 3 to 11 points on your licence
  • Up to six months in prison
  • Up to £5,000 fine
  • An offence that stays on your licence for 11 years
  • Causing death carries a maximum 14-year jail sentence
  • You could lose your car and even your job.

THE LAW IN SCOTLAND

  • It’s illegal to take drugs and drive in Scotland – and the punishments are severe
  • The law also includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs that you’re not meant to use whilst driving
  • The penalties for driving while on these drugs are exactly the same as having illegal substances in your system.

THE EFFECTS CAN LAST A LIFETIME

A drug driving conviction can change your life for years to come.

You could:

  • Lose your job, or business, if you can’t drive
  • Struggle to get another job because of your criminal conviction
  • Face a significant increase in your vehicle insurance
  • Have difficulty travelling abroad – especially to the USA

HOW YOU CAN BE CAUGHT

It’s easier than you think to get caught drug driving.

You could be:

  • Stopped by the police for a routine check
  • Stopped for another traffic offence – like not wearing a seatbelt or a faulty light
  • Involved in a crash, even one which is not your fault
  • Reported by someone who suspects you’ve been taking drugs

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET CAUGHT

  • If an officer reasonably suspects that you have taken or are under the influence of drugs whilst driving you may be arrested or required to carry out a roadside drug wipe test
  • You may also be required to carry out a preliminary impairment test
  • If the drug wipe is positive or the preliminary test indicates drugs in your system, it is likely you will be arrested and taken to a police station
  • At the station you will be required to provide a blood or urine sample which will be sent for testing. The result of this test will be used to make a decision about any prosecution

HOW DRUGS CAN AFFECT YOUR DRIVING

  • Depending on what’s been taken, drugs have different effects on driving ability
  • Many impair awareness, judgement and reaction times
  • Drugs can still be detected in your system quite a few days after they’ve been taken
  • Many prescription drugs can also make you drowsy and affect vision, coordination and concentration

For more information on the effects of specific drugs, read the content on release.org and changes to drug driving law on gov.uk.

PRESCRIPTION AND OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS

It’s illegal to drive using any medicines that affect your driving abilities. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Some medicines, like hay fever remedies, can cause drowsiness and impairment
  • The penalties for driving while impaired by prescribed drugs can be just as severe as illegal ones
  • It can be an offence to drive if you’re over the stated limits of certain drugs – whether they’re prescribed or over-the-counter
  • Always check the information leaflet, or ask the pharmacist for any driving restrictions

There are no issues if:

  • You’ve been prescribed the drug, and
  • It’s taken as prescribed, and
  • It doesn’t affect your driving.

Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue Edinburgh Ocean

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue Edinburgh Ocean this month, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.  

Kicking things off on 5 December is Hindi film Dhurandhar, a star-studded saga inspired by incredible true events. From director and writer Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is set in the gritty criminal vein of the underworld and features gripping action, Shakespearean betrayals, and espionage – all set to the backdrop of Indian patriotism.  

On Boxing Day, film fans can enjoy some light-hearted watching Hindi romantic comedy Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, which tells the story of two people fall in love while finding themselves. However, when family pressures challenge their relationship, they reluctantly part – promising each other they’ll meet again. 

For those seeking something a bit more supernatural on Boxing Day, Malayalam horror comedy film Sarvam Maya tells the story of a movie fanatic, who is the son of a famous musical instrument maker, and their decision to become a musician themselves after delivering an instrument to a famous player.  

For fans of Telugu cinema, fantasy epic Akhanda 2 can be viewed from 5 December. Following the massive success of the first film, Akhanda 2 reunites audiences with another heartwarming journey explores the connection the natural world, and spiritual faith. 

Meanwhile, fans of action and comedy can enjoy the Malayalam-language film Bha Bha Ba from 19 December. Directed by Dhanajay Shankar, this story follows a fraudulent astrologer who gains the magic ability to travel through time.   

Other South Asian films heading to the big screen this December includes the Tamil language film L.I.K.  on 19 December and Malayalam film Vrusshabha on 26 December.  

Humberto Michelacci, Screen Content Manager (International Film) at Vue, said: “At Vue we pride ourselves on celebrating cinema from across the globe and we couldn’t be happier to be showing some of the most exciting South Asian films this December. We would encourage film lovers from all cultures to check out this fantastic selection of films.” 

South Asian screenings at Vue 

–             Dhurandhar (Hindi) – 5 December 

–             Akhanda 2 (Telugu) – 5 December  

–             Bha Bha Ba (Malayalam) – 19 December 

–             L.I.K. (Tamil) – 19 December 

–             Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (Hindi) – 26 December 

–             Vrusshabha (Malayalam) – 26 December 

–             Sarvam Maya (Malayalam) – 26 December 

LifeCare urgently needs donations!

LifeCare Edinburgh urgently needs donations from local people and businesses for winter tombolas and raffles supporting older residents.

Wine, soap sets, gift packs, jars of nice things, candles, or chocolates etc etc all welcome.

To donate, please contact: enquiries@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk or drop into the hub on 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB.  

Thank you!

Utilita Energy Hub in Leith transforms into free Santa’s grotto

A Leith shop will be transformed into a magical Santa’s grotto this week – providing gifts to local children for free

  • Who: Santa Claus
  • What: A free event to meet Santa, take photos, and receive a small gift if on the nice list
  • Where: Utilita Energy Hub, 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA
  • When: Friday, 5 December 2025, from 11:30am to 3:00pm
  • Cost: Free, but please bring a food donation for a local food bank 

Energy supplier, Utilita, will provide a different kind of energy this winter, transforming its Leith shop into a sparkling Christmas grotto on Friday, 5 December between 11:30am and 3pm.

The free event at the Utilita Energy Hub in Newkirgate aims to deliver relief to families facing a tough winter ahead, providing free presents to children as many families struggle with the cost of living crisis. Guests attending the festive day out are asked to bring one food item that will be donated to a local foodbank.

Gifts are aimed at young children up to the age of 10, but anyone is welcome to meet and take a photo with Santa Claus. There will be one gift per child, free of charge, while stocks last.

Natasha Baillie, Supervisor at the Leith Hub, said she is hoping the grotto will spread some festive cheer: “We’re looking forward to welcoming families and children to our Energy Hub this Friday, 5 December. Excited youngsters will get an opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus and receive a free gift between 11.30am and 3pm.

“There’s plenty on offer for visiting adults too – you will be offered a cuppa, as well as free and simple energy advice to help make your energy spend go further this winter. Visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item – if they can – which will be distributed to our local Food Bank.”

Utilita’s high street hubs make it super simple to manage your energy – no phone lines or online dashboards, just a friendly face to speak to. Whether you’re looking for account support, help to manage your spend or energy-saving advice, Utilita’s Energy Experts are on hand to help.

Utilita began a roll out of Energy Hubs in 2018 across the UK to provide a personal touch to their customer service, opening their Edinburgh branch in 2020. The hub has helped thousands of locals better control their energy usage as well as supporting various community initiatives.

The hub’s Community Room provides local groups and charities with a free, warm and safe space for them to hold meetings or community events, with complimentary WiFi and refreshments available. 

The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA and anyone interested in using the hub’s dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk. 

See more on Utilita Energy Hubs at https://utilita.co.uk/energy-hub.

Small businesses celebrated as Keir Starmer brings high street to Downing Street for Christmas lights switch-on

The Prime Minister hosts Christmas market-style showcase at Downing Street, celebrating small firms, frontline workers and community champions at the annual lights switch-on

  • PM hosts Christmas market-style showcase at Downing Street, celebrating small firms, frontline workers and community champions at the annual lights switch-on.
  • Small businesses are set for a bumper festive season, with spending up 19% on last year – which could provide an extra £5 billion boost.
  • Budget 2025 delivered key support, including extended Rates Relief, full funding for under-25 apprenticeships, and wider enterprise tax incentives.

Small businesses from across the UK were celebrated at the annual Number 10 Christmas lights switch-on last night, as the PM brought the high street to Downing Street ahead of Small Business Saturday.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, making up the vast majority of jobs across the country, and serving every community on our high streets, in our markets, as traders and family businesses. Data from Small Business Britain shows they could see a £5 billion boost this Christmas with 19% more spending than last year.

They are being joined by NHS staff, military personnel, firefighters and police to thank them for their service during the busy Christmas period, alongside community champions who represent the very essence of the government’s Pride in Place programme – including 14-year-old litter picker Samuel Salamone, who will switch on the lights.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy and the backbone of our communities.

“This Christmas, we’re not just switching on the lights – we are shining a spotlight on the incredible entrepreneurs, traders and family firms that keep our high streets thriving.

“From extending rates relief to funding apprenticeships, this government is backing small businesses every step of the way, because when they succeed, Britain succeeds.”

The showcases take place ahead of Small Business Saturday, which celebrates the UK’s much-loved 5.6 million small businesses and encourages the nation to show their support by shopping small.

From artisan food producers to creative retailers, among the businesses who took part were:

  • Wakuda – Co-founded by Albert Larter, this retail and textiles brand champions Black-owned businesses and unique designs.
  • Candle Wise – Isabella Beeler (Bella) crafts beautiful candles from Kent, perfect for cosy winter nights.
  • Young Blooms – Grace Farrimond brings floral artistry to life with wreath-making workshops and seasonal arrangements.
  • The Halfway at Tal-Y-Coed – A welcoming pub in Wales run by Rhiannon Metters, tackling isolation and loneliness through arts and crafts sessions for the local community.
  • Grasmere Gingerbread – Joanne and Andrew Hunter will bring their award-winning rum butter and ginger-themed treats from the Lake District.
  • Rumsey’s Handmade Chocolates – A family-run chocolate business led by Kate Rumsey, offering indulgent festive flavours.

Michelle Ovens CBE, Director, Small Business Saturday UK, said: “The UK’s 5.6 million small businesses are absolutely vital to the UK, powering economic growth, bringing tremendous value, heart and soul to communities and innovation and impact across broader society.

“It is so crucial that the nation shows support for their favourite small firms this Small Business Saturday and beyond. We are so delighted to be at Downing Street ahead of the campaign to celebrate the phenomenal contribution of small businesses.

“A spotlight like this as the festive season kicks off is such a powerful reminder to the nation to take a moment to support their local small businesses this Saturday.”

Albert Larter, Co-founder of Wakuda, said: ““Being a part of the small business festive market at No.10 is a real honour.

“It’s a great way for us to showcase what we are building at Wakuda and the amazing small businesses within our community.

“Small businesses play an important role in driving culture and economic growth and opportunities like this help us keep building, keep growing, and keep empowering the community we serve.”

Rhiannon Metters, publican at The Halfway in Tal-Y-Coed, Wales, said: ““It has been a fantastic experience to attend this Small Business Showcase and highlight the important role that pubs have in bringing people together and creating human connections.

“From a pint by the fire to wreath-making in the marquee, from the village shop to live music and shared skills, everything we do is about bringing people together, tackling loneliness and social isolation, supporting local makers and giving our little corner of Monmouthshire a place to gather, laugh, learn and belong.”

The festive season is a critical time for small businesses. UK households are expected to spend £23 billion across Christmas – a 16% year-on-year rise.

Of this, an estimated £5.3 billion could go to small firms, delivering a much-needed boost of 19% year-on-year growth. Public support remains strong, with 84% of people saying it’s important to support small businesses, and 95% believing they add local value.

This celebration comes as the Government sets out new measures in Budget 2025 to back British business:

  • A £4.3 billion business rates support package to cap bill increases for sectors hit hardest by revaluations.
  • Continued Annual Investment Allowance of £1 million and a new 40% First Year Allowance for main rate assets – giving businesses strong incentives to invest.
  • Targeted reliefs for smaller businesses and high street firms, ensuring the system is fair and competitive.
  • Extended fuel duty cut to keep van and lorry journeys affordable for businesses.
  • Doubling eligibility for enterprise tax incentives to help fast-growing firms attract investment and talent.

It also comes after the government launched its flagship Small Business Plan earlier this year, which committed to the biggest reforms to late payments in 25 years to make sure businesses get paid on time.

This included decisive action to boost access to finance for entrepreneurs, address the impact of ‘personal guarantees’ on small business owners, and slash red tape to boost our pubs, bars and arts venues.   

As part of the plan, the government also launched Business Growth Service last week which makes it easier for SMEs to get the help they need, saving them time and money to spend growing their business.

Over 16,000 people enjoyed free weekend events at Ross Bandstand

Over 16,000 people enjoyed free community and music events at Ross Bandstand over the St Andrew’s Day weekend celebrations, presented by Edinburgh’s Christmas.

Edinburgh Christmas, Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Among many others, audiences danced to the famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers (pictured) and whirled-away to The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, renowned as one of the top ceilidh acts in the world!

Edinburgh’s Christmas events and activities continue until 4 January!

Another fantastic weekend of entertainment features Edinburgh Sings! this Saturday and the annual Santa Fun Run & Walk and Santa Paws on Sunday.

Community Land Scotland launches Holyrood elections manifesto

Diversifying landownership and strengthening community ownership and control is not just a fair approach; it is the key to putting Scotland’s future in the hands of its people and ensuring a more equitable and sustainable future.

That is why our first policy priority ahead of the 2026 election is to ask for 10% of Scotland to be community owned by the end of the Parliament delivered by a clear plan to significantly increase community landownership and reduce the concentration of private landownership in Scotland – including a Land Reform Bill with a meaningful Public Interest Test on all landownership and targeted taxation to deliver land reform outcomes.

Community landownership has repeatedly shown its value, giving people the ability to shape their local economies, create housing and jobs, restore nature and generate clean energy. But to unlock this potential at scale, it is essential that Scotland addresses its concentrated pattern of landownership and ensures a revitalised democracy rooted in communities themselves.

A new Land Reform Bill is a crucial mechanism to do that. Within this Bill, there needs to be a meaningful public interest test on large-scale landownership – a concept proposed by the Scottish Land Commission over the past five years, and which the Scottish Government had previously committed to with 72% of respondents strongly supporting the proposed measure within their consultation on this matter.

Combined with targeted taxation and a clear national plan to expand community ownership, these measures can shift the archaic status quo.

Reaching 10% community ownership is ambitious; but it is achievable, necessary and the clear next step to build a Scotland where land is owned and managed for the public good.

Read our manifesto in full 👉

Community-Land-Scotland-Manifesto-25-26Download

www.communitylandscotland.org.uk/resources/manifesto-25-26/

Tackling pyrotechnics at football matches

Consultation on Football Banning Orders

Views are being sought on whether the law on Football Banning Orders (FBOs) should be updated to crack down on pyrotechnics use and other forms of football-related disorder.

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has launched a public consultation seeking views and evidence on the legislation around FBOs and whether it needs to be improved so it meets current needs.

FBOs are court orders that prevent individuals from attending all regulated matches in the UK, and they can be imposed for engaging in violence or disorder.

The consultation will explore whether extending the reach of FBOs could be an effective deterrent against disorder such as pyrotechnics misuse, online abuse and other emerging challenges associated with the game.

The consultation was informed by an expert group including football authorities and justice agencies, set up by the Scottish Government last year.

Ms Brown said: “Football fans are passionate about the sport, supporting their club and of course our national team.

“The vast majority of supporters are well-behaved and want to enjoy football safely. However, the behaviour of a small minority can put others at risk and spoil their enjoyment of the game and have consequences for the football club.

“Whilst we have significantly strengthened the law to tackle pyrotechnic misuse in recent years, so that those who carry fireworks and flares into football stadia can face fines and up to six months in prison, pyrotechnic misuse at games remains an issue.

“The legislation governing Football Banning Orders in Scotland was introduced in 2006, when the use of flares at matches and harmful social media behaviour associated with the game were much less common.

“While FBOs can already be imposed on conviction for pyrotechnics offences that involve violence or disorder, we want to hear from people whether the law needs to change so these orders could be used more widely for pyrotechnics possession and misuse – ultimately to become a more effective deterrent and keep people safe.

“We have worked with football authorities, fans’ groups and justice partners on this consultation and I would encourage anyone with an interest to give their views.”

Alan Marshall, Chair of the Football Safety Officers Association Scotland, said: ““The Football Safety Officers Association Scotland welcomes the launch of this consultation.

“Safety officers across the country see first-hand the evolving challenges in ensuring a safe environment at football matches, including the increased misuse of pyrotechnics, which are illegal and becoming a bigger issue at football matches across Europe.

“Football Banning Orders are an important tool in helping prevent disorder, and to help stop the actions of a small number of supporters negatively impacting the experience of law-abiding football fans. It is appropriate that the legislation is reviewed to reflect modern realities.”

Consultation on Football Banning Orders. 

Simon Howie’s Chocolate Haggis to make a return for Hogmanay

Three of Scotland’s best loved brands collaborate on the new recipe of the relaunched pudding

Pictured from left to right: Lauren Paterson, Mrs Tilly’s; Simon Howie; Richard Walker, Walker’s Shortbread

Unveiled on St Andrew’s Day and back by customer demand, Simon Howie’s famous chocolate haggis is making its return in time for two of Scotland’s biggest celebrations, Hogmanay and Burns Night. 

This time around, Simon Howie has collaborated with two of Scotland’s best loved brands, Walker’s Shortbread and Mrs Tilly’s, on a new and improved recipe featuring delicious chunks of all-butter shortbread and fudge, creating an indulgent and unique dessert that’s sold as a haggis!

Simon Howie’s Chocolate Haggis was originally launched in 2024 as a limited-edition pudding for Burns Night. While the brand was keen to bring it back for January 2025, legal dispute with Cadbury’s over the products previous purple packaging made this impossible.

Simon Howie said: “For our wee limited edition Chocolate Haggis to worry the biggest players in chocolate, shows the success of the 2023 launch.

“While we were disappointed not to be able to bring it back straight away, we used the time we needed to change the packaging to also improve the recipe by adding in chunks of shortbread and fudge from our friends at Walker’s and Mrs Tilly’s.

“The Scottish food and drink community is known for its collaboration, and this is a perfect example of three like-minded family-owned manufacturers teaming up to create a unique and innovative product.

“We’re grateful to Walker’s and Mrs Tilly’s for their support and look forward to hearing the reaction from our customers.”  

Richard Walker of Walker’s Shortbread said: “Chocolate Haggis is such a unique and fun celebration of Scotland and we’re delighted to be part of the new recipe development.

WWe are sure it will be enjoyed by many as the perfect pudding for Burns Night.”

Lauren Paterson of Mrs Tilly’s said: “We’re excited to have our Scottish fudge added to Simon Howie’s Chocolate Haggis dessert and that people across Scotland will be able to enjoy this sweet treat with their friends and families for Hogmanay and all the way through to Burns Night.”

Chocolate Haggis is an indulgent chocolate brownie dessert sold in the shape of a haggis. Simon Howie recommends removing all the packaging and microwaving the pudding for about 3 mins before serving with ice cream or cream. The pudding can also be cooked as a regular haggis would, and the casing cut open to serve.

Simon Howie is the UK’s number one haggis brand and sells more than 1.3m haggis during January in the run up to Burns Night. 

The brand’s previous work on Chocolate Haggis recently won Campiagn of the Year at the 2025 Scotland Food and Drink Awards.

Chocolate Haggis will be available in Tesco from the 26th December and from Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Scotmid from 1st January.

The product is limited edition until Burns Night so will be unavailable after the 26 January. RRP £5.00. You can find more information on Chocolate Haggis here.

Dunfermline children learn lifesaving skills at Amazon

The children of Amazon employees in Dunfermline are one step closer to becoming lifesavers after taking part in a special first aid and CPR training session at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline.

The mini medics course welcomed 23 Amazon employees and their children for a fun and interactive session that introduced them to essential first aid skills, learning how to check for danger and practising CPR techniques.

Mini Medics is a basic first aid course designed for children between the ages of seven and 16. The course introduces children to health knowledge, lifesaving skills and administering first aid. 

Jamie Strain, General Manager at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline, said: “First aid and CPR are important skills for young people to have and I’m pleased that our mini medics course has been so popular with our employees and their families.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to our colleague, Anna, for facilitating the training for our team.”

Anna Soltysiak, an associate at Amazon in Dunfermline who led the training, added: “The children who attended our mini medics events were enthusiastic and keen learners. I had a great time teaching them about first aid.

“It’s important for young people to have basic medical skills, as it may one day help save a life.” 

Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in need.

The Multibank network has now donated more than 12 million surplus goods to over 800,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, London, Tees Valley and Birmingham. This year, the Multibank will send 1 million orders to families across the UK. 

Amazon has supported more than one million students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.

Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.